Partit Demokratiku has joined the Association of Liberals and Democrats in Europe and intends to participate fully in policy formation within the group, party leader Anthony Buttigieg said.

Speaking at a reception for members of the diplomatic corps, Dr Buttigieg also repeated calls made in parliament last week for the constitution to be amended so that it could be easier for smaller political parties to make it to parliament on their own. 

Dr Buttigieg said his party stands for good governance and that it wants an end to the destructive culture of political division to foster the interests of individual political parties.

"We want to see a fresh style of government with a more open way to practising politics, based not on partially divulged information, but on transparency. Every citizen has the right to know how every penny of their tax money is spent and where it is going to. Every citizen should be able to understand why contracts and tenders were awarded and to whom they were given," he said. 

The party also wants to see the size of government reduced, and a more bottom-up style of government, with powerful institutions representing the interests of the public and the majority of members not directly appointed by the government. 

Dr Buttigieg also insisted that unprecedented economic growth should not be at the cost to the natural and urban environment and the social fabric.

He also called for an overhaul of the education system. "We want to ensure that every child is able to develop their particular talents, be they academic or not, to the full. We want their education to be a fulfilling experience, not one of needless and excessive stress."